Sizing Chart for Body Jewelry

Determining the Gauge of Your Piercing Jewelry

The gauge of your piercing refers to the thickness of the bar that traverses your piercing. Essentially, it denotes the thickness of the barbell. It's important to note that the gauge size decreases as the barbell thickness increases. In the context of body jewelry, the gauge represents either the bar's thickness or the external diameter of ear plugs or tunnels.

Due to variations in individual body types and preferences, piercers may opt for different lengths and gauges when selecting body jewelry. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that the sizes indicated on our chart correspond precisely to those used for your specific piercing. However, the measurements provided adhere to the standard gauges and lengths typically employed by professional piercers.

There are two primary systems for measuring body jewelry: Gauge (abbreviated as "G" or "GA"), Millimeter ("MM"), and Inch (").

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Size Guide for Body Piercing Jewelry | Body Piercing Size Chart
MILIMITER TO INCH

• 6 mm = 1/4" Inch
• 8 mm = 5/16" Inch
• 10 mm = 3/8" Inch
• 12 mm = 1/2" Inch
• 15 mm = 5/8" Inch
• 16 mm = 5/8" Inch
• 18 mm = 3/4" Inch
• 20 mm = 13/16" Inch
• 22 mm = 7/8" Inch
• 25 mm = 1" Inch
• 32 mm = 1 1/4" Inch
• 38 mm = 1 1/4" Inch

• 20 Gauge = 1/32" Inch
• 18 Gauge = 5/128" Inch
• 16 Gauge = 3/64" Inch
• 14 Gauge = 1/16" Inch
• 12 Gauge = 5/64" Inch
• 10 Gauge = 3/32" Inch
• 8 Gauge = 1/8" Inch
• 6 Gauge = 5/32" Inch
• 4 Gauge = 3/16" Inch
• 2 Gauge = 1/4" Inch
• 0 Gauge = 5/16" Inch
• 00 Gauge = 3/8" Inch

• 20 Gauge 0.8 mm
• 18 Gauge = 1.0 mm
• 16 Gauge = 1.2 mm
• 14 Gauge = 1.6 mm
• 12 Gauge = 2.0 mm
• 10 Gauge = 2.4 mm
• 8 Gauge = 3.2 mm
• 6 Gauge = 4.0 mm
• 4 Gauge = 5.0 mm
• 2 Gauge = 6.0 mm
• 0 Gauge = 8.0 mm
• 00 Gauge = 10 mm

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Labret Jewelry & Surface Barbell Piercings

Labret jewelry is available in various gauge sizes, with 16g (1.2mm) and 14g (1.6mm) being the most common options. The gauge size indicates the thickness of the jewelry shaft.

The length of a labret shaft is measured from the base (the flat back or disc) to the top (the decorative or removable end). Typically, shaft lengths range from 6mm (1/4 inch) to 12mm (1/2 inch), though shorter or longer options are available to accommodate different lip sizes and piercing depths.

Surface piercings often range from 16g (1.2mm) to 14g (1.6mm). The choice of gauge may vary based on the piercing location and personal preference.

The bar length for surface piercings varies depending on the specific piercing and body area. Common bar lengths range from 1/4 inch (6mm) to 1/2 inch (12mm). However, longer bars may be necessary for piercings with deeper tissue or to accommodate swelling during the healing process.

Circular Barbells (Horseshoe Rings)

Circular barbells, also known as horseshoe rings, come in various gauge sizes, with 16g (1.2mm) and 14g (1.6mm) being common options for standard piercings. The choice of gauge size depends on the piercing location and personal preference.

Diameter: The diameter of a circular barbell is measured from the inner edge of one ball or end to the inner edge of the other. Common diameters vary widely depending on the piercing location, with approximate standard measurements provided for septum, lip (labret), and eyebrow piercings.

Ball sizes for circular barbells typically range from 3mm to 5mm in diameter.

Captive Bead Rings (CBRs)

Captive bead rings (CBRs) are popular body jewelry pieces used in various piercings, including earlobes, cartilage piercings, nose piercings, and more.

Gauge Size: CBRs come in various gauge sizes, ranging from 20g (0.8mm) to 00g (9.3mm) or larger for stretched piercings, depending on the piercing type.

Diameter: The diameter of a captive bead ring is measured from the inner edge of one side of the ring to the inner edge of the other. Common diameters are provided for earlobe, helix/cartilage, and nose piercings.

Ball or Bead Size: The size of the removable bead or captive ball can vary, with common sizes ranging from 2mm to 5mm in diameter.

Curved Barbells & Straight Barbells

Curved barbells, also known as banana barbells, are versatile body jewelry pieces used in eyebrow, navel, and some ear piercings. They typically come in gauge sizes such as 16g (1.2mm) and 14g (1.6mm), with various lengths and ball sizes available.

Straight barbells, used in tongue, industrial, nipple, and some ear piercings, are available in gauge sizes like 14g (1.6mm) and 16g (1.2mm). They come in lengths ranging from 6mm (1/4 inch) to 16mm (5/8 inch) and feature removable ends, with ball or end sizes varying from 3mm to 6mm in diameter.

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Body jewelry comes in various gauges, each suited for different types of piercings. Here's a breakdown of the most common gauges and their typical uses:

20 Gauge (0.8mm): This is the thinnest gauge, ideal for delicate piercings such as nostril, earlobe, and eyebrow piercings.

18 Gauge (1.0mm): Slightly thicker than 20 gauge, it offers more durability and is also used for nostril and earlobe piercings.

16 Gauge (1.2mm): Commonly used for a variety of piercings, including lip, cartilage, and certain ear and nose piercings.

14 Gauge (1.6mm): A thicker option suitable for piercings like the tongue, nipple, and certain ear and genital piercings.

12 Gauge (2.0mm): Used for piercings such as the nipple and some genital piercings.

10 Gauge (2.4mm): and Below: Typically reserved for more specialized and larger piercings.

Knowing the gauge of your jewelry is crucial to ensure a proper fit for your piercing. Using the wrong gauge can lead to discomfort or complications. If you're uncertain about the appropriate gauge for your body jewelry, it's best to consult with a professional piercer. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific piercing and anatomy, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

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Ear Gauge to MM Conversion Table
Gauge - Millimeters (mm) - Inches
18 Gauge = 1.0 mm = 5/128" Inch
16 Gauge = 1.2 mm = 3/64" Inch
14 Gauge = 1.6 mm = 1/16" Inch
12 Gauge = 2 mm = 5/64" Inch
10 Gauge = 2.4 mm = 3/32" Inch
8 Gauge = 3.2 mm = 1/8" Inch
6 Gauge = 4 mm = 5/32" Inch
4 Gauge = 5 mm = 3/16" Inch
2 Gauge = 6 mm = 1/4" Inch
0 Gauge = 8 mm = 5/16" Inch
00 Gauge = 10 mm = 3/8" Inch
11 mm = 7/16" Inch
12 mm = 1/2" Inch
14 mm = 9/16" Inch
16 mm = 5/8" Inch
19 mm = 3/4" Inch
22 mm = 7/8" Inch
25 mm = 1" Inch
28 mm = 1 & 1/8" Inch
32 mm = 1 & 1/4" Inch
35 mm = 1 & 3/8" Inch
38 mm = 1 & 1/2" Inch
41 mm = 1 & 5/8" Inch
44 mm = 1 & 3/4" Inch
47 mm = 1 & 7/8" Inch
51 mm = 2" Inch